I want this kiss, this night to last far longer than the time allotted.
And mostly, I don’t want Lawson Kent to regret a living, breathing moment of it.
Lawson
The drivehome last night was more than a little awkward—more like majorly awkward, sort of the way I imagine it would feel if I walked in on my dad and Lynette hooking up while they enjoy their Netflix and chill time. I shake my head at the memory of last night.
I wasn’t sure how Lucky would react once we came up for air, but on the bright side, it didn’t end with an assault and battery charge, so that was a plus. I can still feel her mouth moving over mine, and it makes my balls ache. Hell, it was all a very big plus. Lucky is a great kisser. Any guy would be glad to have her do just that to him for an hour straight like she did me. The thought of a hundred douchebags lined up and ready to chew on Lucky’s face makes my blood boil. Of course, it does. I’m protective of her because for one I’m essentially her paid bodyguard no thanks to her tank of a brother. Crap. If word ever got back to Jet about my night moves last night, I’m sure giving him a refund would be the least of my worries. Hell, I’d pay him double not to rearrange my face all that much.
This afternoon, Scarlett called to make sure I’d be at the Black Bear tonight for the twins’ surprise birthday party. She rattled on and on about how wonderful it will be and rattled out an extensive guest list, which included Dad and Lynette, our siblings, and several of their friends. I happen to know she and Rex are friends with Jet. And I vaguely remember asking Lucky to come.
I stop outside the entrance, next to the iconic stuffed black bear that has been in more WB selfies than that horse of a mascot, and pull out my phone.
I didn’t dare communicate with Lucky in any way, shape, or form since I dropped her off at Cutler Tower last night. But I’ll feel like an ass if I don’t remind her about the party.
What’s up, girl?Delete, delete, delete. Too casual.Hey, Luck, that party for the twins is at the Black Bear in five. Come down if you want to wish them a happy birthday. Your presence is gift enough.
There. That last line was verbatim from Scarlett. I’m sure she’s been using it all day as she herds the masses here. Poor Trix and Knox won’t have a single gift to unwrap thanks to my sister.
Whoa. I stare back down at the text I just sent. That last line, coming from me—after last night—it just sounds all together wrong. Although, ironically it feels about right. I like having Lucky around. Yes, she’s annoying at times, but that’s because she’s trying to grate on me. I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone pay so much attention to me as Lucky has, even if it was in an effort to irritate me. I’ve had girlfriends before, one that lasted nine months, and not even she was as spirited and fun to hang out with as Lucky.
The dancing ellipses pop up on my phone, letting me know she’s responding, and I brace myself for it.
I’m already here, you big dope. I wouldn’t miss it for anything. Why are you late? Still fantasizing about that kiss? I thought I’d give you a taste of what I let the boys enjoy. I hope you have great tactile memory skills because it’s NEVER happening again. BTW, the girls at Cutler have pooled a nice $um of money together, and it’s all mine if I can get you to send me a snapshot of your little royal friend.
I can’t help but laugh.Not happening, sweetheart. What I let the girls enjoy is a private reserve. You’ll have to think of another way to turn a dime.
I head into the Black Bear full of adrenaline and my heart beating wild. The band is roaring out a cover song that you hear on the radio every fifteen minutes, and just as I’m cruising past the bar on my way to the back, Jet nods me over.
Shit.
“Dude, help me out.” He hands me a couple of beers, and I follow him back to the poolroom. “How’s it going? You steering the boners in other directions?”
A knot tenses in my throat because I happened to have a very big boner after dropping Lucky off at her dorm. I went back and took care of my very hard problem in the shower, and as much as I wanted that mental visual to be of any other girl, Lucky’s face kept popping up front and center. Lucky was the only girl I wanted to help with that release last night. I never came so much in my life.
“Yeah, I’m keeping them away.” And keeping myself closer than ever before. That heated kiss sweeps through my mind like a nuclear wind.
Jet steps in front of me with a look that spells out certain death—a slow and painful one at that. “I know what you’re thinking.”
Oh my—shit. Of course, he can read my mind. The dude is simply not human.
He closes his eyes briefly. “You think I’m an ass for being so overprotective. Look, she’s my only sister—my only family.” He leans in as if ready to divulge something personal. “I’d do anything for that kid, and as sad as it sounds, there’s not another soul on the planet that would be willing to do just that. I’m all she’s got. I only want the best for her.”
“I get it. I’ve got sisters of my own, and I want the best for them, too.” Rex bounces through my mind, and I let him bounce right out. He can’t be the best for Scarlett. He’s practically her brother now. How can they not see how sick that is for themselves?
We head into the poolroom where it’s wall-to-wall bodies, and Jet makes a beeline for his girlfriend. But my gaze runs rabid over every face and body looking for one petite brunette that I have a feeling I’d best stay away from tonight if I want to live to see tomorrow.
“What’s up?” A hand falls over my shoulder, and I turn to find Eli Gates grinning back at me.
“What’s up with you?” I pull him in. “So, you know Knox, huh?”
“That’s my boy. We’ve been on every team together as far back as Pee-Wee.” He glances around. “Where’s your girlfriend?”
I know for a fact he’s talking about Lucky. “Don’t got one.” I spot Jet talking to Rex in the corner and scowl. “And don’t say that around here. Her brother is built like the freaking Pentagon.”
“That’s right. You’re on payroll. So, you’re not really into her, huh?”
My stomach clenches. This is it—a real do-or-die moment. “I’m not into Lucky.”
